On Zombies

I think very few people recognize the threat that zombies pose to our civilization. I have recently reached the conclusion that zombies are very real, although metaphorical. If you are looking for a humor piece, move along now. You will not find it here.

Watching the unfolding of recent events such as the intense and damaging riots in London and the flash mobs in Philadelphia, I can not help but think we are seeing a rise of zombies, aimless individuals united as one in a hive mind of undirected rage. These individuals are sacrificing their very humanity simultaneously at the altars of self-love and self-loathing. The self-love is apparent in that these individuals feel so wronged that they “deserve” to riot, to take from others, to grab on to whatever they want. Their self-loathing is apparent in that they will risk their own bodies and lives, in addition to those of others, in these self-destructive pursuits.

Evelyn Beatrice Hall is credited with the line: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” I firmly believe those words. I have had many disagreements with others on their views, but I am always glad to hear them–or at least glad to know they have the right to say them even if I choose not hear them. Civil discourse is key to protecting the rights of both the majority and the minority. There are even times when violence has seemed the right and necessary course of action, as in our own American Revolution. But that violent rebellion emerged only after a very clear and deeply-reasoned philosophy of self-government and freedom tempered by responsibility was thwarted repeatedly at every turn by the former ruling entity. It was not an army of zombies, but a militia of principled men and women willing to pledge their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor for a greater cause.

I have heard reports that the rioters and looters in London burned to the ground one family-owned store over 140 years old that had survived through many generations and the German bombings of World War II. I am saddened at such losses, but even more so for what they represent. We have young individuals willing to turn their backs on and actively destroy the history of their own people to get free stuff they feel they deserve. One looter was heard on microphone explaining that she was “getting back her taxes.”

I am truly fearful for the future of humanity, or more precisely that the embodiment of DNA and genes we now call humans will be replaced by new generations of blood-thirsty, enraged zombies. May God have mercy on us all.